STAN Lazaridis today paid tribute to the 'sensational' Emile Heskey and said he was puzzled why Liverpool ever sold him.

STAN Lazaridis today paid tribute to the 'sensational' Emile Heskey and said he was puzzled why Liverpool ever sold him.

Heskey's ferocious winner against Blackburn Rovers was his 10th goal of the season and Lazaridis predicted that there would be more to come from him next season. "Emile's been sensational for us, he really has," said the Australian winger or left-back.

"He's scored some vital goals, he's got a great presence and is probably one of the best players at holding the ball up.

"The manager can't talk highly enough of him, the players all know how good he is and I'm sure the Birmingham fans, who might have been a bit sceptical at first, are totally convinced.

"I think you will probably see Emile score more goals next season. In all honesty, the service we've had into him has not been as good as what we know we can produce.

"If he had been here last season I think he would have scored about 15 or 20 goals. "It's not just about Emile's goals, though. It's been shown that when he's not in the team, we miss the kind of game he brings to us. I'm sure he's going to have a big season next year, even better than this one."

Midfielder Stephen Clemence echoed Lazaridis's sentiments, saying: "When he came last summer I knew he'd be a great signing.

"And what he did on Saturday, it's what we expected of him because he's been there and done it at the top level internationally.

"Although he's had his critics at times, from my point of view, they've been very unfair.

"Emile's a great team player and he gets his fair share of goals. Ten in his first season here is a decent return, especially when you consider he hasn't had a regular partner. He knows all the lads and the gaffer thinks highly of him and that's the main thing."

Heskey's performances have forced national coach Sven-Goran Eriksson into a re-think.

And should Heskey be drafted in for England's summer friendlies in the USA, manager Steve Bruce won't whine about his selection.

The tour is likely to be undermined by a series of withdrawals from players at the top clubs.

Bruce said: "I won't stop him going, how can I? I'm English and it's an honour to represent your country.

"And it wouldn't be a surprise if he gets called up. Don't forget he was named in the last squad, and deservedly so."